< Portuguese Grammar

expressions “X a Y”

Lot’s of key expressions follow an “X a Y” structure such as, “nada a ver” (nothing to see ~ we’d say “has nothing to do with it”). These are the most common:

“X a Y” ➜ “nada a ver” (literally: nothing to see)

Tudo a ver
literally: everything to see.
The opposite of “nada a ver,” meaning “it makes total sense” or “it’s completely related.”
Algo a dizer
literally: something to say.
Used when asking if someone has something to add.
Muito a aprender
literally: much to learn.
Used to express that someone still has a lot to learn.
Nada a perder
literally: nothing to lose.
Means someone has no risks or consequences in a situation.
Nada a declarar
literally: nothing to declare.
Common phrase used in legal or official contexts, meaning “I have nothing to say.”
Muito a ver
literally: much to see.
Right in-between Tudo a ver & Nada a ver, used to say something is strongly connected.
Pouco a pouco
literally: little by little.
Means gradually or “bit by bit”.
Tudo a ganhar
literally: everything to gain.
The opposite of “nada a perder,” meaning there’s a big potential benefit.

Tudo a ver: Essa música tem tudo a ver com você! This song totally fits you!

Algo a dizer: Você tem algo a dizer? Do you have anything to say?

Muito a aprender: Ele ainda tem muito a aprender. He's still got a lot to learn.

Nada a perder: Não temos nada a perder! We don't have anything to lose!

Nada a declarar: Eu não tenho nada a declarar. I don't have anything to declare.

Muito a ver: Familia tem muito a ver com amor. Family has a lot to do with love.

Pouco a pouco: Estou aprendendo pouco a pouco. I'm learning bit by bit.

Tudo a ganhar: Temos tudo a ganhar! We have everything to gain!